St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB) employees are contributing $10,000 towards feeding the hungry.
The COVID-19 pandemic has left hundreds of students without nutritious meals throughout the day, as school closures means no access to the nutrition programs in both Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton.
“We know that for some families, access to our school nutrition programs is an important and reliable supplement for healthy and nutritious foods, and any disruption to that access can be very stressful,” said Deb Crawford, director of education for SCCDSB.
The donation will be divided evenly between United Way Chatham-Kent and the United Way of Sarnia-Lambton so families will be able to access emergency funds for food.
The money is being donated from the school board’s Good Samaritan Fund, created by employee donations, usually most often used to support students and families to participate in educational excursions and school trips.
In Chatham-Kent, a partnership has been developed between United Way Chatham-Kent and the Ontario Student Nutrition Program. Families in need of food can apply to obtain grocery gift cards by registering at www.ckgives.ca or calling 519-354-0430 ext. 202.
“We appreciate the support of St. Clair Catholic as we work shoulder to shoulder – nine feet apart – with community partners, government and donors to respond to our local needs and develop solutions – like we have in our partnership with the CK Student Nutrition Program – to bring emergency funding to offset the cost of food for kids,” said Karyn O’Neil, Director, Community Engagement and Operations for United Way Chatham-Kent.
In Sarnia-Lambton, the Board’s donation will be earmarked for community partners, who can access United Way funds for food programs to support families and children.
